Allegations of widespread spying in Europe by US intelligence services could threaten negotiations on a transatlantic free trade deal, German Chancellor Angela Merkel warned Monday. “The allegations are serious,” Merkel told parliament. “They must be cleared up. And more importantly, a new sense of trust must be built for the future.” , dpa reported She said claims that the National Security Agency (NSA) had mounted extensive surveillance operations in Europe and Germany had “put to the test” the free trade talks, as well as Europe’s ties with Washington.